Highland hotel has history, golf and whisky on doorstep
A HIGHLAND hotel that’s said to have three of Scotland’s biggest attractions on its doorstep has come onto the market.
Located opposite the 12th century Dornoch Cathedral, Dornoch Castle Hotel is said to be a remnant of the 15th century palace of the Bishop of Sutherland.
As well as its historic links, the hotel is just five minutes away from the Royal Dornoch Golf Course, which is said to be the third oldest course in the world and ranked among the world’s top 20 courses. It’s also close to a number of renowned distilleries, including The Dalmore, Glenmorangie and Balblair, and offers year-round whisky tours; the current owners’ sons also run a whisky export business.
Dornoch Castle currently has 25 letting bedrooms, restaurant and function areas.
But planning permission is in place for an extension which would offer a further 11 bedrooms and a 70-cover bistro.
Current owners Colin and Ros Thompson said the hotel has a consistent turnover of more than £1 million and occupancy levels of 90% in high season.
“We identified a few years ago that there was real potential here for a spa and bistro and we quickly gained planning consent for this as well as a second kitchen and cellar,” said Colin.
“We’ve also installed a biomass heating system and have planning permission to install 20 square metres of solar panels so we tick the boxes with green credentials too.
“We want to concentrate on our other business ventures and feel that the new owner of this hotel will be taking on a cash cow in one of Scotland’s most winning locations.”
Dornoch Castle is being marketed via www.hotelsforsalescotland.co.uk with a price tag of £2.5 million.
